BLACK DOG OF WELLS

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Chinese Garden

HE WHO PLANTS A GARDEN PLANTS HAPPINESS

The blue and white Chinese Willow Pattern design was introduced to England by Thomas Minton in the late eighteenth century, and for over two hundred years has been a much-loved pattern used by nearly every pottery manufacturer.

This ceramic tile has some of the quality of carved ivory. It is based on one of the early Willow Pattern designs, with the two doves, formalised apple trees and a typical Chinese pagoda type building intricately modelled into the surface. With the lovely sentiment “He who plants a garden plants Happiness” (translated from a traditional Chinese proverb), this charming garden plaque makes perfect outdoor garden decor and would grace any courtyard wall. Makes a perfect present for gardeners everywhere.

Dimensions: 9.7cm x 11cm

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Glastonbury Thorn

THE HOLY THORN OF GLASTONBURY

Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea – great uncle of Jesus – sailed to Britain after the crucifixion and landed on the Isle of Avalon. This was the hill in Glastonbury, Somerset now known as Wearyall Hill.

Weary, Joseph thrust his staff into the fertile earth and by the next day the stick had rooted and was to become the first Glastonbury thorn tree. It is on this spot that Joseph is reputed to have built the first Christian church in England. The original holy thorn tree was destroyed by the Puritans, but cuttings were secretly taken and survive to the present day. The miraculous thorn flowers at Christmas, and a sprig of the tree is presented each year to the Queen by a Glastonbury school child. It can be seen on her desk when she talks to the nation on Christmas Day.

The thorn on our tile is based on a medieval drawing. It is a favourite souvenir of Glastonbury, a centre for pilgrimage.

Dimensions: 10.8cm x 10.6cm

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Green Lady of Wells

Based on an unusual 14th century roof boss from the Chapter House of Wells Cathedral.

During the 1980s an eagle-eyed Cathedral guide saw that one of the corbels high up in the Chapter House of Wells Cathedral was not just composed of ‘stiff leaf’ carving. Using binoculars, she saw that amongst the foliage was the figure of a young girl, who had remained hidden from view for hundreds of years! Holding her sheaf of flowers, and with her hair flowing freely amongst the leaves, she is really not a true ‘Green Lady’. But we all like to call the delicate featured figure by the name “Green Lady of Wells”.
This could be the ideal gardening gift for the lady with greenfingers!

Dimensions: 10.5cm

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Green Man of Wells

Based on a 14th century Green Man from the Chapter House of Wells Cathedral.

Carved heads sprouting foliage have appeared in churches over many centuries. They are known by many names - including 'Lord of the Greenwood' & 'Tête de Feuilles' (Head of Leaves). Whilst their origins undoubtedly can be traced back to Pagan times, the images perhaps appear in churches as a symbol of Spring turning into Summer and rebirth.
Being so high up in the ceilings of churches and cathedrals, roof bosses usually escaped destruction by the zealous Puritans who so disapproved of images in the House of God. Wells is famous for the carvings of kings, prophets and saints on the Cathedral’s west front, but there are also has some very fine corbels of which this is one.
This is an ideal present for those who are Pagans or Wiccans or it could be the perfect gardening gift for the gentleman with greenfingers!

Dimensions: 10.2cm

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Sun Carpe Diem (with leaf corners)

CARPE DIEM

Usually translated from the Latin of the Roman poet Horace in his Odes as 'seize the day', or sometimes as 'enjoy the day', or 'pluck the day when it is ripe'. Lord Byron was the first to integrate the phrase into English in his 'Letters' of 1817: "I never anticipate, - carpe diem - the past at least is one's own, which is one reason for making sure of the present."

The phrase has been enthusiastically absorbed into today’s language, perhaps especially since the cult film The Dead Poets’ Society (1989) used it as a neat summary of the story’s philosophy.
The words are here set around a design based on a medieval clock face, linking the phrase with the concept of passing time.

This bold decorative plaque makes a thought provoking and pertinent present for anyone with a special birthday or anniversary.... especially for someone who is retiring or hitting 60 – 70 – 80!

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.5cm

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Tile of the Year 2010

2010

In the past, the date of a building’s completion has often been built into a house wall. This original ceramic house number plaque is designed to celebrate or commemorate the current year. The tile is frost proof.
This would be an ideal addition to any new house, out building, extension, wall etc. completed in 2010.

You can have this design personalised with your own date or house number. Click on the 'Personalised Tiles' link on the left side of the screen.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.2cm

New Design launched August 2009